Police in Kyankwanzi District have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the killing of his partner during a domestic dispute in Butemba Town Council, with investigators saying the fatal incident followed allegations of infidelity and the case file is now awaiting sanction for murder charges.
The suspect has been identified as Nkuruziza Festo, a resident of Lusengejjo Village. Police say he was arrested after allegedly attacking his fiancée during a confrontation late Monday night.
The incident occurred on the eve of President Museveni’s campaign visit to the district, a period when residents had gathered in celebratory moods.
According to police, the suspect received information that his partner had been seen at a local bar in the company of another man. Enraged, he reportedly armed himself with a machete and went to the establishment.
“The suspect allegedly stormed the bar after being informed that his partner was in the company of another man,” said Lameck Kigozi, Senior Superintendent of Police and Public Relations Officer for the Wamala Region.
Police said the unidentified man managed to escape during the confrontation but sustained serious injuries to his hand.
The suspect is then alleged to have turned his anger on the woman, inflicting severe injuries. She later succumbed to the wounds.
Police confirmed that both the suspect and the deceased are Rwandan nationals who had been living and working as casual labourers in Butemba Town Council.
The deceased was a mother of three children, none of whom were fathered by the suspect.
“The victim died as a result of injuries sustained during the attack. The suspect was immediately arrested, and investigations were launched,” SSP Kigozi added.
Authorities say investigations into the incident have been completed and the case file has been submitted for review by the Resident State Attorney of Kyankwanzi to sanction formal murder charges against the suspect.
Police have condemned the incident and renewed calls for peaceful conflict resolution, warning against the rising cases of domestic violence.
“We strongly warn against acts of violence, especially domestic violence, which continue to claim innocent lives,” Kigozi cautioned.
“Anyone with grievances should seek help from community leaders or law enforcement rather than resorting to violence.”
The suspect remains in police custody as legal processes continue.